November 28, 2023 - FM 2468 at the intersection of FM 699 in Center was the scene of a fatal crash on the morning of November 23, 2023.
Emergency personnel were dispatched to the location at 4:02am.
According to information released by Center Police Sgt. Bubba Lee, at an unknown time, a blue Hyundai Elantra driven by Pablo Alejandro Leandro, 24, of Nacogdoches was traveling southeast at a high rate of speed on Portacool Way (FM 2468) when the Hyundai failed to stop at the intersection of Cotton Ford Road.
The Hyundai continued across the intersection and left the roadway before going airborne across a ditch before striking an embankment and metal culvert. The force of the collision was severe and the vehicle continued in a southeastern direction, landing between a utility pole and small tree.
Leandro suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced at the scene by Donna Hughes, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, and an autopsy was ordered. Leandro was transported by Watson and Sons Funeral Home.
The crash was investigated by Center Police Officer Donna Ruppert. Center Fire Department personnel assisted at the incident location.
The crash remains under investigation.
